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Articles Become Addicted to Primulas
Many newcomers to the Primula world may be a bit hesitant to try new species and varieties. The following list includes primulas for a wide range of habitats and gardening sites. All are easy to grow and provide the gardener with a "starter collection" of spectacular blooms. As your addiction to Primula grows, you will want to increase your collections many times over.
Primula veris is the "English cowslip" that was once commonly found in pastures and meadows. It is one of the parents of the modern polyanthus hybrids. From a rosette of deep green leaves rises a ten-inch flower stalk topped with slightly nodding, fragrant, bell-shaped yellow flowers. The petals have a reddish spot at the base. Orange, red, and russet color forms are also available. It is an easy vigorous plant, requiring rich, moist but well drained soil. In areas with hot summers, ample moisture, and shade during the afternoon is desirable. Seed germinates easily and is available from primula seed sources. Primula x juliana hybrids are the delight of the gardener who wants hardy, colorful plants for the border. The parents of these hybrids are P. juliae and P. veris, P. vulgaris, or P. elatior. The best forms are small mounds of deep green topped with a variety of flower colors. The plants spread by a creeping rootstalk and can be easily divided after flowering. Although flowering times for the cultivars vary, most are among the earliest of the primulas. Since hybrids do not breed true from seed, the gardener should acquire clones from specialty nurseries and sales. To be assured of a hardy, proven plant, look for named clones such as 'Wanda' (not Wanda hybrids or Wanda strain), 'Springtime,' 'Jay-Jay,' 'Dorothy,' 'Snow White,' 'Snow Cushion,' 'Gracie,' and more.
Primula sieboldii is a marvelous delicate-appearing plant for the woodland or as an underplanting for rhododendrons. Native to Japan, this plant is available in a multitude of beautiful flower colors and forms. Some are named and there are some excellent seed strains. The slightly hairy, scalloped leaf rosette bears 9-12 inch stems of large flat flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and lavender. The outer side of the petal may even be a different shade than the face. P. sieboldii grows well in a peat bed or any shady, moist position. As the ground starts to become dry in the summer, the plant dies back to an underground rhizome. Plants are best divided just as the leaves are emerging in the spring or after flowering. It is easily grown from seed.
Primula denticulata, the drumstick primrose, is an unusual, versatile, early spring primula. The flowers emerge before or at the same time as the large, somewhat coarse leaves. The round heave of flowers in shades of lavender, through purple, red, pink and white flowers put on a spectacular display in April and May. The flower stalks are about 13 inches tall and after flowering, the leaves will enlarge to 12 inches, so the plant must be given room. It is easy in a border or anywhere where moist soil is found. Seed is readily available. The plant can also be divided after flowering or propagated by root cuttings.
Primula florindae is another large plant for the shady border. The large, heart-shaped shiny leaves make a good contrast to the large mop head of fragrant, hanging yellow bells on 36 inch stems. It flowers freely over a long period in the summer and will fill the evening air with a sweetly scented perfume. P. florindae hybrids are also available in color ranges from yellow, through orange to a red shade. This vigorous plant is dependably perennial and very hardy. It will tolerate anything from a moist soil to waterlogged conditions by a pond. However, it shouldn't be allowed to dry out in the summer. Seed germinates readily and produces fast-growing seedlings ready to be set out in the autumn of the same year.
Whether in or out of flower, Primula marginata makes a striking addition to the rock garden. A member of the Auricula Section, it has fleshy, toothed leaves that are covered with white meal (farina). In April, masses of violet, lavender, pink or white flowers appear on three to four inch stems. The leaf shape and flower color varies from form to form. P. marginata and its cultivars are very hardy and make excellent garden plants provided they have good drainage and are not allowed to become too dry during the summer. They tolerate more sun that most primulas, making them an excellent choice for the rockery. In hot summer areas, some shade is beneficial. Some growers prefer to keep them in pots in a cold greenhouse or alpine house so the rain does not wash the beautiful farina off the leaves. Plants are easily grown from seed, divisions or from stem cuttings taken in March or April.
The keys to success with primulas are partial shade and ample moisture during the summer and a rich, well-drained soil. Given these conditions, your "starter set" will lead to a desire to try more and more species. Your addiction will have begun.
Reprinted with permission
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